Resolving any vehicle accident in California can be challenging, but this is especially true for rideshare accidents. The insurance-related issues you might face can be very difficult to navigate without an attorney’s help, and an at-fault driver’s lack of insurance can further complicate matters. Dealing with uninsured or underinsured rideshare drivers in California is much easier when you have legal counsel you can trust on your side.
Understanding Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Drivers in California
California law requires every driver to have personal auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements. A policy must include coverage for property damage liability and bodily injury liability. When a driver causes an accident, their insurance policy pays for the resulting damages. However, rideshare companies have additional requirements for insurance and managing their drivers.
If you were injured in a rideshare accident in California, the timing and nature of the accident will dictate what insurance coverage is available to you. Rideshare drivers are covered by their own policies when they are driving for personal reasons and not logged into their driver apps. Once they log in, the first level of the rideshare company’s insurance applies if they get into an accident. The second level of coverage applies once they pick up a passenger.
When you have been injured in an accident, and the rideshare driver was entirely at fault, you can file a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance if it was active at the time of the accident. If you were a passenger in a rideshare driver’s vehicle, then this applies to your case. However, if you were driving your own vehicle when the rideshare driver hit you, the rideshare company’s insurance will only apply if they were logged into their driver app or delivering a passenger.
If rideshare insurance does not apply and the at-fault driver does not have insurance, your situation can be complicated. You will need an experienced attorney to help you determine your most viable recovery options. If you have purchased uninsured motorist coverage with your own insurance policy, you may be covered to an extent, but you may need to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to recover your damages.
Resolving Your Rideshare Accident Claim in California
Dealing with uninsured and underinsured rideshare drivers in California can be very stressful without an attorney’s guidance and support on your side. Your first legal priority after any vehicle accident in California is proving fault, and this may be challenging on your own. Your attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to prove fault for the accident. Once you have proven fault, you can determine your most viable recovery options.
When an at-fault rideshare driver does not have insurance, you may only be able to file a claim against the rideshare company’s policy under specific conditions. If insurance is not a viable recovery method after your accident, a personal injury claim will be the optimal legal mechanism for you to secure compensation for your damages, and you can have the greatest chance of success with your claim if you have the right attorney representing you.
FAQs
Q: Can I Claim Against My Own Insurance After an Uninsured Driver Accident?
A: It is possible to claim against your own insurance after an uninsured driver accident if you have purchased uninsured motorist coverage with your policy. However, if an uninsured rideshare driver is responsible for your accident, you may be able to claim compensation from the rideshare company’s insurance policy. This applies if you were a rideshare passenger, and it may apply if you were hurt while driving your own vehicle when the rideshare driver hit you.
Q: How Do I Prove Fault for a Rideshare Accident in California?
A: You can prove fault for a rideshare accident in California by gathering various forms of evidence to support your claim. You must identify the party responsible and prove how they caused the accident. Evidence you may need could include traffic camera recordings, drivers’ cell phone data, and eyewitness testimony. Working with an experienced attorney can make proving fault for your accident much easier.
Q: Do I Need a Lawyer to File an Auto Insurance Claim in California?
A: It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer to help you file your auto insurance claim in California because you are likely to encounter resistance from the insurance company. Most insurers fight back against claims and try to limit their settlement offers as much as possible. If filing an auto insurance claim is an option for recovery after your accident, you can have the greatest chance of success with the claim when you have legal counsel on your side.
Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for My Accident in California?
A: The amount of compensation you can claim for your accident in California will depend on the scope and severity of your damages. If you can prove that another party is directly responsible for causing the accident, they are liable for all your resulting damages. Your attorney can help you claim compensation for your medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and the pain and suffering you experienced.
Q: What Will It Cost to Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in California?
A: The cost to hire a rideshare accident lawyer in California will depend on the attorney’s billing policy. Most personal injury attorneys in California operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that the attorney takes a percentage of the total compensation they recover for their client after winning the case. The client pays nothing upfront. If their attorney is unable to secure compensation on their behalf, they pay no fees.
Rideshare Claim Assistance From Kreeger Law Firm
Kreeger Law Firm is ready to help you navigate the complex legal aftermath of your recent rideshare accident in California. We know that your situation may be daunting and confusing, but you can trust our firm to guide you to a positive outcome. You have limited time to pursue your recovery, so contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team and learn more about the legal services we provide.
